Verizon Motorola Luge is nothing but a rebranded DROID RAZR M

Last night, we heard that Verizon was prepping the launch of the Motorola Luge, which would be an LTE-capable Android device targeted at Verizon's prepaid customers. Today, we received an image of a Verizon display card for the device, and it looks like Verizon's prepaid customers aren't getting anything new. In fact, they are just getting a rebranded DROID RAZR M.

The title image above is the DROID RAZR M, which was released almost exactly two years ago, and below is the Luge, which is getting prepped for release this Thursday, August 28th. Aside from software that is closer to stock, you won't be finding any differences. As we were writing this article, TKTechNews got the full specs rundown for the device and it looks to be the exact same device as the RAZR M: 4.3-inch 540x960 (qHD) display, Snapdragon S4 Plus MSM8960 clocked at 1.5GHz, 1GB of RAM, 8-megapixel rear camera, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and a 2000mAh non-removable battery.

The only differences we see are that the Luge has a better front camera (0.9-megapixels vs 0.3), compatibility for Verizon's XLTE, and the upgrade to Android 4.4.4 with Motorola's new suite of apps like Assist and the mysterious Moto Aware. There is also a chance that the Luge features Gorilla Glass 3, but that isn't confirmed yet. It's not a terrible deal for $149 off-contract, especially since the Moto G costs $199. So, that's up to you all.

img: PhoneArena exclusive

specs source: TKTechNews

16 Comments

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posted on 25 Aug 2014, 14:26 7

1. AfterShock (Posts: 3698; Member since: 02 Nov 2012)

Umm, Seems like a hoodwinking of their customers.

Bad carrier, bad.

posted on 25 Aug 2014, 14:31

2. Metropolis75 (Posts: 168; Member since: 28 Aug 2012)

Is it really hoodwinking? Its a pay as you go phone.

posted on 25 Aug 2014, 14:41

3. AfterShock (Posts: 3698; Member since: 02 Nov 2012)

Yeah, you got me there.
The price point I guess makes it a bit easier to digest I guess.

Still seems underhanded to me in a way.

posted on 26 Aug 2014, 04:15

15. Humphrey.One (Posts: 27; Member since: 14 Nov 2013)

$149 off-contract sounds great. I was considering buying a refurbished razr m from China for around $120. I like the compact size and screen to body ratio as well as design, only disadvantage was the outdated system.
Now just $29 for being new, gorilla glass 3, better selfie camera and KitKat sounds very fine.

posted on 25 Aug 2014, 14:53

4. Commentator (Posts: 3722; Member since: 16 Aug 2011)

Wah wah...

posted on 25 Aug 2014, 14:54

5. xtroid2k (Posts: 529; Member since: 11 Jan 2010)

It's so funny how the carrier which started this movement is now disliked by so many.

posted on 25 Aug 2014, 15:48

6. gregoryyy3 (unregistered)

I work at Verizon and it's pretty sad seeing them trying to sell the razr m again even if it is rebranded. That probably our most complained about phone.

posted on 25 Aug 2014, 16:45

7. ptikjp (Posts: 6; Member since: 08 Aug 2014)

What complaints did you get about the M? THis phone was one of the reasons Motorola was top in customer satsifaction two years ago ... Everyone i know that has it loves it (both Razr I form which is a little better; and Razr M). Compact; powerful; nice screen, reception; decent battery ... good sound. Form factor was killer. Its a great phone.

posted on 25 Aug 2014, 18:22

12. JC557 (Posts: 1788; Member since: 07 Dec 2011)

There are some signal strength and connectivity issues making their way around the various forums. After the KitKat update I did experience some data problems and a weaker signal overall. I'm hoping that a software fix is in the pipeline.

posted on 27 Aug 2014, 12:30 1

16. gregoryyy3 (unregistered)

Screen going out, horrible camera quality, etc.. I'm guessing you may have had 2 friends with this phone and they didn't have problems but last time I checked you don't have to hear about it from multiple people each day. Do research it has horrible reviews

posted on 25 Aug 2014, 17:49

8. PorkyBurger (Posts: 585; Member since: 18 May 2013)

I can't find any Motorola DROID RAZR phone in Canada at all! Only Moto X and Moto G is available for carriers, but my eyes are on DROID RAZR, because they look so sexy.... :(

posted on 25 Aug 2014, 18:20

11. JC557 (Posts: 1788; Member since: 07 Dec 2011)

It is quite a nice looking small phone. I have the Droid Razr M as a... tertiary backup I guess (behind the Moto X with my One M8 being primary phone).

It would've been better if Motorola rehashed the Droid Mini instead of the Droid Razr M except give it a 720p AMOLED instead of the super bright LCD display (which tends to wash things out) and a matte plastic body instead of the glossy mess it originally came with. The camera and battery life is quite good for both phones though.

The $150 USD price tag off contract is pretty decent I guess but could be better.

posted on 25 Aug 2014, 20:13

14. canucker78 (Posts: 4; Member since: 27 May 2014)

We got the Motorola V which is the same phone but with with an Ti cpu and was locked to 4.0

Its a super nice phone in bulid quality but it needs the cpu and version bump.

posted on 25 Aug 2014, 18:19

9. Wildmanfan (Posts: 238; Member since: 15 Jul 2010)

As long as Motorola at some point releases that monster 6" plus phablet that they were talking about months back, that's all I care about. Nothing else.

posted on 25 Aug 2014, 18:19

10. kaikuheadhunterz (Posts: 1157; Member since: 18 Jul 2013)

Even if this is true, this phone is still one of the best phones at that price

posted on 25 Aug 2014, 19:10

13. jorbrandt (Posts: 4; Member since: 24 Nov 2012)

This sounds nice. Not sure if I should go towards this phone, or the next Moto G (hopefully Verizon releases).. or the iPhone (I have a 4s now).